Volunteers taking part in the Kerry County Clean Up last month feared for their safety as traffic flew past them on main roads.
The annual event, sponsored by KWD Recycling encourages people to pick up litter in their estates, towns and villages.
During the recent meeting of Kerry County Council, Fine Gael councillor Michael Foley and Fianna Fáil’s Jimmy Moloney both spoke about the safety of those taking part.
Cllr Michael Foley said he had been contacted by volunteers who took part in the Kerry County Clean Up, which was held around the county on 12th April.
He said traffic totally ignored people picking up litter along the N69 in particular, and flew past them.
Cllr Foley said some people feared for their safety and some have already said they won’t be taking part again.
He asked that the council put out signs along the road in future to make traffic aware there’s litter picking in progress.
Fianna Fáil councillor Jimmy Moloney said he himself went about 1km outside Listowel to take part in the clean up, and the issue of traffic flying past is getting very bad.
He said that by 9am, volunteers just have to leave the main routes altogether.
In response, Director of Roads with the council, Frank Hartnett, told the meeting that there are signs up on the major routes, but the council will look at this before next year’s event.
He said it is a concern and they will seek to communicate with the public to ensure the safety of volunteers.
